FIGURES showing how much Gwent’s workers make on average for the UK economy have been revealed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Workers in Caerphilly came out on top for being the most productive in Gwent, contributing an average of £32 per hour - the fourth-highest figure of Wales’ local authorities.

Newport's workers make £30.67 an hour for the UK's economy, while those in Monmouthshire make £29.32, and people in Torfaen contribute £25.98.

It means the all areas in Gwent are less productive than the average across the country, which is £35.03, and leaves it a long way behind some parts of London.

The statistics are based on gross value added (GVA) for every hour worked in 2018.

GVA is the final value of the goods and services produced in an area and is used to measure contribution to the national economy.

Wales as a whole has an average GVA of £29.20, making it the least productive region in Britain.

Paul Swinney, director of policy and research at urban policy research unit Centre for Cities, said: “The productivity output gap between northern and southern cities is one of the biggest challenges facing the British economy.

“While cities and large towns in south-eastern England are among the most productive places in Europe, those in the north lag far behind and, as a result, it takes someone in Wigan a full working week to produce what it takes someone in Westminster just two and a half days.

“Addressing this disparity should be central to the Government’s levelling up agenda.”

The ONS says that areas with high labour productivity will usually be home to a major manufacturing site or a large utility sector, and those with low productivity are typically more rural or isolated places.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: “This Government remains absolutely committed to the Northern Powerhouse and levelling up growth across the whole country to drive productivity, empower communities and rebalance opportunity.

“Alongside Local Industrial Strategies agreed with local business and civic leaders, we are committed to investing record levels in research and development throughout the UK and supporting local innovation through our £236 million Strength in Places fund.”